“The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith

This gritty novel follows down on his luck private investigator Cormoran Strike as he investigates the suspected suicide of model Lula Landry. Readers meet Strike on the day his new office manager, Robin Ellacott, arrives to start her temporary position. Soon, Robin is drawn into the investigation and shows an aptitude for the work. Together they discover secrets and face danger neither of them suspected, and form the beginnings of an unexpected partnership.

Soon after the release of this title, Robert Galbraith was discovered to be the penname of J.K. Rowling, which catapulted interest in the series. Even without the famous name attached, this book can stand on its own as an outstanding noir story, drawing readers in from page one.